“This will be my last game coaching,” Murray said in an interview after the game.

“I’ve been doing this for 22 years and as much as I love the game and I love the kids, I think my family needs me a little more.”

Murray has a 13-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old son, “who loves the game of baseball,” he said.

“I’ve had 22 years of being away from them every spring break,” Murray said. “My son is getting a little bit older and I would like to spend a few years with him and get a chance to maybe coach him. I felt like I came here to build a baseball program and I feel like I’m leaving a program that is built and by making the announcement now it gives them the opportunity to find the best replacement possible.

“I have nothing but great things to say about the school, the athletic administration, the kids; this is a great place for anyone who wants to have an opportunity to coach baseball. I really enjoyed the 10 years I spent here.

“We had a couple shots at a CIF championship, fell a little short and we got to win a league title. I did just about everything I wanted to do.”

Woodbridge got to the CIF finals twice under Murray, losing to Beckman, 4-1, in the CIF Division 3 finals at Dodger Stadium in 2011. The Warriors fell to Redondo Union, 2-1, in the CIF Division 3 title game last season in San Bernardino.

Murray had a 137-137-1 record at Woodbridge. He led the Warriors to the PCL title and a 23-8 overall record in 2016.

Murray, 46, was an assistant coach at El Dorado before coming to Woodbridge. He spent nine years at El Dorado and three years at Montclair.

Murray said he will continue to teach history at Woodbridge. No replacement has been named for Murray, according to Woodbridge athletic director Rick Gibson.
Gibson praised Murray’s accomplishments.

“He left the next coach a really good squad,” Gibson said. “He left the program with a lot of talent. It’s a testament to him. He has kept us in the know for a long time. We knew this was his last year at the first part of the season, so it wasn’t a surprise. He really cares about the program and cares about the school and it showed; it’s time for him to enjoy his family.”

The Woodbridge players were not aware of Murray’s decision until after the game.

“I was pretty shocked today,” said center fielder Jackson Lyon. “I was very emotional. He’s been my coach for three years and to have him leave before my senior year (hurts).

“But I know it’s for his family and I want what’s best for him. It would be selfish if I wanted him to stay for just us when he has a family to provide for and he’s got to be there for his son and daughter.

“He’s taught me a lot of things with the game of baseball, but he’s been more than baseball. He’s taught me life lessons. It’s sad to see him go.”

Tim Burt first joined the Irvine World News in May of 1984 covering high school and youth sports in the city of Irvine. Since then, he has covered some of the most exciting high school sports events in Orange County. Tim's job includes reporting on sports in Irvine and Tustin and other communities for the Orange County Register and OC Varsity. He found his passion of journalism in high school at Long Beach Wilson on the school newspaper, the Loudspeaker. He later got his bachelor's degree in journalism from Long Beach State. Tim was honored in 2016 by the City of Irvine when he was named to the Wall of Recognition. In addition, the Pacific Coast League named the baseball championship trophy in his honor. In his off hours, Tim enjoys watching college and professional sports with friends and playing softball on the city of Irvine coed softball team, the Misprnts, founded by former Irvine World News editor Don Dennis. Tim has lived in Orange County for more than 30 years.

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